Cheetah

I understand that this film was made with a young audience in mind. A very, VERY young audience, I suspect. But that is no excuse for dumbing-down to the point of idiocy, poorly written dialogue that is so "child-friendly" that it actually has all the adults talking like children (dumb ones), and a sledge-hammer approach to the "message".

Children are not morons. Even young children. A skilled writer can produce a movie which is entirely palatable to an eight-year-old, yet still explores a variety of themes and ideas in a realistic and un-patronising way. Older characters don't have to behave like children in order to be liked/understood/accepted by children. They should be portrayed truthfully.

This film wastes many great opportunities. The scenery is beautiful, and well photographed by a competent crew. In fact, the whole film is competently made. It just suffers from TERRIBLE writing, which has a knock-on effect right down the line. The acting seems poor, but this is mainly due to the atrocious material that the talented cast is forced to work with. The story, though far from original, is worth another telling, and there's certainly nothing wrong with messages about loving and respecting wildlife. But even a very young audience doesn't need to be repeatedly whacked over the head with it.

This film can be compared with many others of its kind; all of which are superior, mainly because they are better written, better acted, and don't talk down to their audience. I recommend "Born Free: A New Adventure" and "Dumas" as both being very good examples of how very similar stories can be told in a less patronising way. (And of course the original "Born Free" is essential viewing, though admittedly very dated by modern standards.)

The script is the foundation of every film, TV show, or play. I should have LOVED this film. It has all the right ingredients. But sadly it was built on a very shaky foundation. And as a result, it fell down.

5/10

A Rich Treasure of Memories for me. Exquisitely Brilliant Work by whole Team. Best part is It always feels fresh . Not to mention, the Ending is Strong and Realistic.

Adventure, Comradeship, Not giving up, and sorting it out - great attitude Lessons for young people.

Ted And Susan Late Teen siblings, visiting their working parents at Kenya take up an abandoned Cheetah cub along with their new loyal friend and highly intelligent tribal boy Moroggo. As the summer comes to a close ,an unpredictable turn of events and the Free spirited three kids create a story of adventure, Comradeship ,thrill and courage.

Los Angeles teenager Keith Coogan (as Ted Johnson) and pretty sister Lucy Deakins (as Susan) go to live in Kenya for six months. They befriend local goat-herder Colin Mothupi (as Morogo) and adopt a young cheetah after its mother is killed by poachers. Animals in captivity don't learn to hunt properly, and are therefore not easy to return to the wild. When it's time to leave, Mr. Coogan tries to teach "Cheetah" to hunt, but the cat hasn't a clue. Since this seems to be a relatively free-to-roam "outside" cat, you have to wonder if something else is wrong - but, probably, we're just supposed to go with the flow. Also strange is how Coogan and Ms. Deakins share a bedroom - but they seem mature enough to work out any awkwardness. Things get really hairy when poachers target "Cheetah" at the same time Coogan and company are scheduled to leave the continent. The story is far too simple, but the cast is likable and the African locations are very beautiful.

****** Cheetah (8/18/89) Jeff Blyth ~ Keith Coogan, Lucy Deakins, Colin Mothupi, Timothy Landfield

If Ace Ventura was family friendly and without Jim Carrey.

'Cheetah' is actually alright, in truth. I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed it, but it's a harmless 83 minutes which fills a gap if you need it to. The locations and animal stuff are decent.

The premise isn't anything you'll remember as it isn't fresh, original or majorly interesting to be honest. As for the cast, they are serviceable. I like Lucy Deakins (Susan), Collin Mothupi (Morogo) and Keith Coogan (Ted); the latter is basically Tommy Kirk, Walt Disney himself would approve of that casting I'm sure! The adult actors are actually the weakest cast members.

Not much more to note. Forgettable sure, but it's a quick watch and not irritating or anything like that. Lastly, who knew this used "Hakuna matata" before that entirely unknown film from 1994, eh?

Californian teens Ted (Keith Coogan) and Susan (Lucy Deakins) come to Kenya to stay with their scientist parents for six months. They befriend local child goat herder Morogo. They find a baby cheetah after the mother is killed by poacher. They name her Duma. She gets bigger and they try to teach her how to hunt with little success. Duma gets kidnapped by poachers who wants to race her against greyhounds. They suspect Patel but they are suppose to return home. Instead, they sneak off to rescue Duma with Morogo's help.

It's a simple family movie. The two lead actors are good capable performers. The rest of the cast are pretty amateurish. The story isn't anything special. The best thing about the movie is the wild life. There are some good close encounters. It's a good one for the tiny ones but not for anybody else.